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What are the Most Common Indoor Air Pollutants?

Indoor air quality can be affected by several different types of contaminants, each originating from various household sources. The most common indoor air pollutants include:

  • Particulate Matter (PM): This includes dust, pollen, pet dander, and smoke. These particles often cause respiratory irritation, allergies, and asthma attacks.
  • Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): These are chemicals found in paints, cleaning products, air fresheners, and new furniture. Exposure can lead to headaches, dizziness, and potential long-term organ damage.
  • Carbon Monoxide (CO): A dangerous gas often produced by unvented gas appliances, furnaces, or attached garages. It can cause dizziness and confusion and is fatal at high levels.
  • Radon: A colorless, odorless gas that enters homes through soil, groundwater, and building materials. It is identified as the second leading cause of lung cancer.
  • Biological Contaminants: This category includes mold, mildew, dust mites, bacteria, and viruses, all of which thrive in humid conditions and can trigger allergic reactions or infectious diseases.

For residents in urban areas like the Los Angeles Basin, outdoor pollutants such as fine particulate matter from smog and freeways can also infiltrate the home, further impacting indoor air quality.

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